Chapter 569: A Stunning Debut
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Chu Qingyue glanced at Ning Yuting, then gently patted Chu Qingning’s hand, “Yuting won’t treat me badly, don’t worry.”
Only then did Chu Qingning remember that Ning Yuting was still here. She said embarrassedly, “Brother-in-law, you won’t mind what I said, right?”
“I don’t mind,” Ning Yuting replied generously. “But 1 must say, I will treat your sister well.”
“I know. I was just comforting Second Sister just now. That person is really too infuriating.” Chu Qingning was still very angry.
Seeing Chu Qingyue frown slightly, Ning Yuting quickly reassured her, “Ning Shuangshuang is married and won’t affect our family.”
No one said anything. After all, they were family. Even if she was married, her surname was still Ning.
The atmosphere was a little awkward…
Chu Qingyue said to ease the atmosphere, “Fifth Sister is almost done with the porcelain.”
Chu Qingning looked over. “Yes, it’s almost done.”
Everyone shifted their attention to Chu Qingshuang and began discussing the competition, returning the atmosphere to normal.
At the Ning Residence.
Ning Shuangshuang stormed back to her parents’ home, cursing certain people in her heart.
Second Madam Ning looked at her daughter’s unhappy face and quickly stood up, asking with concern, “What happened? Did your husband upset you again?”
“It’s not him. It’s Chu Qingyue.” Ning Shuangshuang was seething with anger.
“What did she do to you?” Second Madam Ning pulled Ning Shuangshuang to sit down, her expression slightly unhappy.
“Earlier at Xilin Garden, in order to protect her, Eldest Cousin actually asked me to never come back to the Ning family.” Ning Shuangshuang was so aggrieved that she could not help but cry.
Second Madam Ning frowned. “Does your eldest cousin like her so much?”
Ning Shuangshuang sobbed, “Yes, he seems to value her a lot. Mother, if Chu Qingyue marries into the family, there might be no place for us in the Ning residence.”
“Shuangshuang, don’t cry.” Second Madam Ning took out a handkerchief and wiped her daughter’s face. “No matter what, she’s still the daughter of a farmer. She’s shallow and won’t affect us.”
Ning Shuangshuang hurriedly said, “Mother, you’re wrong. That Chu Qingyue is not an illiterate village girl. Not only does she know how to read, but she also knows how to do business. She can’t be underestimated.”
“Really?” Second Madam Ning immediately felt a sense of crisis. Now, the management right of the Ning family was in her hands. According to Ning Shuangshuang, when Chu Qingyue married into the family, the management right would immediately be handed over to her. She had underestimated Chu Qingyue.
Ning Shuangshuang promised, “Mother, I’ll lie to no one but you.”
Due to the fact that Chu Qingyue was born into a farmer’s family, Second Madam Ning did not ask too much about her background. Now, it seemed that she had been negligent. “Shuangshuang, Mother will not let her have a good time. She’s just a village girl. No matter how powerful she is, the Ning residence is not her territory.”
Ning Shuangshuang warned, “Mother, don’t underestimate Chu Qingyue. If she has won eldest cousin’s affection, she must be quite capable.”
Second Madam Ning said disdainfully, “Just some sly tricks, I suppose. I’ve seen it all in my life.”
“I trust you have ways to deal with her.”
“It’s a small matter.”
At Xilin Garden.
Chu Qingshuang meticulously attached the last petal to her porcelain piece. Instead of leaving immediately, she carefully inspected her work, her focus unwavering, unlike others who left proudly after finishing their blanks.
Yan Helin kept glancing at Chu Qingshuang after his second look. Seeing her complete her work, he grew anxious. Despite her slower pace, how had she finished first?
Li Zhenzong looked on with pride. His disciple started last but finished first, and judging by the overall quality, no one did better than her.
Li Shaoliang admired Chu Qingshuang, “My junior sister is amazing, better than everyone here.”
Li Qingyu and others relaxed as they saw Chu Qingshuang finish her work, content with her completion regardless of the quality.
More and more spectators began to notice Chu Qingshuang.
“This young girl did a great job!”
“She’s definitely from a prominent family, sent here to astonish everyone.”
“She’s young, but calm and composed. She has a promising future.”
The Zhang family and the Yang family looked at each other and saw admiration for Chu Qingshuang in each other’s eyes. In an instant, the two families, which were competitors, were filled with hostility… They both wanted to recruit Chu Qingshuang.
As the Zhang and Yang families engaged in a silent battle of glances, the second round of the competition ended.
Chu Qingshuang placed her porcelain piece in the designated area and ran towards her family.
“How did I do? I hope I didn’t disappoint you,” Chu Qingzhuang said confidently.
Li Qingyu pulled her daughter close, admiring her hands, praising none-stop, “Truly skillful.”
Li Zhenzong also praised her, “Qingshuang, your porcelain shaping was excellent.”
Yan Yanrong, hearing Li Zhenzong’s praise, was visibly irritated, thinking, ‘What’s so good about it? It’s just a pot!’
Chu Qingshuang smiled at everyone, “Let’s go have lunch. I’m starving.”
Ning Yuting suggested, “Let’s eat at Tainan Restaurant. I’ve already made reservations.”
Chu Qingshuang smiled, “Second Brother-in-law, you’re so thoughtful.”
Ning Yuting returned the smile, “Can’t let everyone go hungry.”
The group headed to Tainan Restaurant for lunch.
In the Chu Residence.
A young monk sat on the steps, petting Da Bai’s ears, looking puzzled, “Master, why aren’t we going out?”
The abbot replied, “You need to focus on your studies.”
Recently, the young monk was not as serious in his studies as before. He had to be disciplined and calm down.
The young monk let out a long breath. “Master, I’m just a kid.”
The abbot patiently instructed, “Even kids must study properly.”
The young monk tapped his shaved head, seeming troubled, “Master, if I redo my studies, can I go out and play?”
“Depends on your performance,” the abbot said.
“Then I’ll go.” The young monk gently stroked Da Bai’s head, got up, and went to his room to do his homework.
Da Bai relaxed under the rhythmic sound of the wooden fish, dozing off under the tree, looking like a big cat sunbathing.
The abbot closed his eyes, fingers moving over his prayer beads, continuing his chanting.
In the afternoon, the Emperor sent his personal eunuch, Li Fei, to the Chu residence.
The young butler, seeing the eunuch from the palace, was momentarily stunned before hurrying to greet him, “Greetings to Eunuch Li.”
Li Fei looked around, flicking his dust whisk, “Is the abbot here?”